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Justin Langer declared Australia’s one-day international series one full of positives four months out from the World Cup despite the 2-1 loss to India, completed at the MCG last night, extending the home side’s losing streak to two years.

Australia were left to rue uncharacteristic mistakes in the field as MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli cashed in to steer India to a seven-wicket win in the series decider.

Dhoni was dropped first ball by Glenn Maxwell and survived several other close shaves to post 87 not out, combining with Kedar Jhadav (61no) in an unbeaten 121-stand for the fourth wicket.

They guided India (3-234) home with four balls to spare after leg-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal’s career-best figures of 6-42 helped dismiss Australia for 230.

Kohli was dropped by Peter Handscomb in the slips on 10 and added another 36 before falling victim to impressive WA quick Jhye Richardson (1-27) for the third time in the series.

Despite the defeat, Langer pointed to the performances of axed Test batsmen Handscomb and Shaun Marsh, Richardson and the continued development of leg-spinner Adam Zampa as positives to take from the series.

Australia have 10 more ODI matches before the World Cup begins in June.

“We came unstuck today, but we’re really clear how we want to play,” Langer said.

“We got really close this series. It came down to the last over twice and we won the first one.

“It’s been another real arm wrestle and it’s been a great series, but we’re very clear with how we want to play our cricket, no doubt.

“That’s a good feeling for us.”

Richardson bowled 41 dot balls in his 10 overs last night and was Australia’s top wicket-taker in the series with 6-106, giving his World Cup selection chances a huge boost.

“He was a shining light for us,” Langer said.

The series result completed India’s most successful tour of Australia, which included a split Twenty20 series and maiden Test series win on these shores.

“I couldn’t have asked for a better tour,” captain Kohli said.

“If someone had given me those results, I would’ve taken them with both hands.”

Dhoni, 37, finished with 193 runs for the series and was dismissed just once after critics questioned his selection.